The Great Irish Famine An Epic of Death and Emigration -BY AWAKE! WRITER IN IRELAND

First Crop Failure

The potato crop occasionally failed before. Short-term relief measures coped with  this, and when the next year's crop was good hardship had been minimal. Thus, when the potato crop failed in 1845, the authorities saw  little reason for concern.

But this time things were much more serious.  We now know that  the fungal disease, phytophthora infestans-otherwise known as blight-caused the 1845's crop failure.  This airborne fungus spread rapidly from one field of potatoes to another.  The infected potatoes literally rotted in the ground, and those in storage were said to be "melting away."  Since only one variety  of potato had been sown, the entire national crop was affected. And since the seed for the following year came from that year's harvest, this fungus has a devastating effect on the entire crops as well. 

Second Crop Failure

The poor-quality seed potatoes that could be rescued were sown the next year, 1846, but blight also destroyed this second crop. As there was nothing left worth harvesting, many farm workers lost their jobs . Farm owners simply could not afford to pay them.

The government set up various relief works , hiring many of these  poor folk-mainly for road building-so that they could provide for their families.

Some could only get work in workhouses. These institutions employed  destitute people. In return for the their labor, workers received  food and lodging. the work was harsh. Often, the food was rotten, and the accommodations were very primitive. Some workers did not survive. 

These measures did provide some relief. But there was worse to come.  The winter of 1846-47 was extremely cold, and it curtailed most of the outside work. Various government agencies  distributed free food. After two years, however, government funds for this relief began to run out, and all the aid provided was hopelessly inadequate for the ever-increasing food of physically weakened people.  Then another devastating blow hit Ireland.

Absentee landlords-many facing large debts themselves -continued to demand their rents. Many of the tenants were unable to pay, and as a result, thousands were evicted from their land. Some tenants simply left the land went to the cities hoping  for a better life.  But with no food, no money, and no housing, where would they go?  For growing numbers, emigration became the only option.

Next time: The Great Irish Famine An Epic of Death and Emigration-BY AWAKE! WRITER IN IRELAND - Emigration En Masse 

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The Great Irish Famine An Epic of Death and Emigration -BY AWAKE! WRITER IN IRELAND

Before the Great Famine 

By the start of the 19th century, Britain had extended its dominion over a large part of  the earth.  That included Ireland. Much of Ireland was owned by English landlords, many of whom resided in England.  These absentee landlords extracted high rents from their Irish tenants and paid low wages for their labor. 

Thousands of small farmers, or cottiers, lived in abject poverty. Unable to buy meat or many other foods, the people grew the cheapest, easiest, and most substantial crop they could under these circumstances, the potato.  

The Importance of the Potato

The potato was introduced into Ireland about 159-0. It was very successful because Ireland's wet and mild climate suited its poor soil. It was used as food for both man and animal. By the mid 1800's, just under a third of all arable land was being used to grow potatoes. Almost two-thirds of them were for human consumption. The average Irish male ate potatoes every day-and little else!

Since so many people were totally reliant on the potato for food, that situation was a recipe for disaster.  What would happen if the crop failed? 

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The Great Irish Famine An Epic of Death and Emigration-BY AWAKE! WRITER IN IRELAND

IN THE shadow of Ireland's  "holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, stands a must unusual ship. It looks like a small 19th century sailing ship with its prow west toward the Atlantic Ocean.  But this ship will never set sail. It is firmly fixed in a bed of concrete. Interwoven among the masts are striking representations of human skeletons.

The ship is a large metal sculpture that was officially unveiled in 1997 to memorialize one of the greatest tragedies in the history of Ireland-the Great Famine.  The skeletons and the ship are  symbols of the death and mass emigration that marked the tragic years of 1845-50. 

Ireland is not unique, of course, in experiencing famine. Many countries have suffered in this way. In many ways, though, the Great Irish Famine was exceptionally tragic.  In 1845, Ireland's population was about eight million.  By 1850, perhaps one and a half million had died as a result of the famine!  A further million had emigrated in search of a better life, mainly to Britain or the United States. A great famine?  Most certainly.

What caused so great a famine?  What help was given to its victims? What can we learn from this calamity?  To appreciate the answers to these questions, let us first briefly examine what Irish life was like in the years before the famine.  

Next time: The Great Irish Famine An Epic of Death and Emigration- BY AWAKE! WRITER IN IRELAND 

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A Lone Parent, but not - Success Stories

Are these principles effective? Yes, as can be seen from numerous success stories of single parents. Gloria, a divorced, single working mother in England, who was mentioned in the first article, raised two sons and a daughter. All three of them grew up to become full-time Christian ministers, devoting their lives  to promoting Bible education. When asked how she managed, Gloria explained:  "The first challenge was to keep up a regular, interesting Bible study. I wanted the children to be happy, to have peace of mind, to be content, and to be protected from pitfalls. I found a job working nights.  My aim was to have the children with me whenever  I could.  Before I went to work, we had a family prayer and I put them to bed.  My aunt stayed in the house while I was at work."

How did Gloria help her children set the right priorities?  She continues;  "My greatest aim was to put spiritual things first. We didn't  have much money, and I was very open about this with the children.  Whatever I asked of them to do, I would do myself, and they were all cooperative."  Reminiscing about how she kept a close knit family, Gloria says:  "The secret was doing things together. Nobody went off to his or her own room. We cooked, cleaned, decorated together. We balanced our activities.  I always made sure there was recreation too." 

Carolyn, a single mother of a young boy named  Joseph, is pleased with the way he is growing up.  What is her secret?  "We read the Bible together at bedtime,"  she says, "and then I ask him questions about what he has learned.  Additionally, we consider selected paragraphs from the Bible-based publications and apply them personally.  This helps Joseph when he faces problems, such as bullying at school."  Carolyn admits that her life is by no  means easy, but she does not feel that she is alone.  She observes:  "It is a constant struggle, but I feel that Jehovah has really helped me. I also receive a lot of encouragement from the Christian congregation."  

The success stories of thousands of single parents, such as Gloria and Carolyn, prove that parents today can rely on the time-tested principle of the Bible to raise, fine, spiritually strong children.  (Proverbs 22:6) Success is possible!  Single parenting provides many challenges that are opportunities for growth and sharing. Relying fully on God and being convinced that he will probably help is the best way to cope with the demands of single parenthood. -Psalm 121:1-3. 

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A Lone Parent, but not Alone

. Sound home management.  Successful single parents strive to be well organized and work hard to coordinate schedules. Proper planning and organization are essential. The Bible says: "The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage." -Proverbs 21:5. 

. Commitment.  Successful single parents make family life one of their first priorities. They focus on putting the needs of their children ahead of their own.  -1 Timothy 5:8. 

. A balanced approach.  Successful single parents neither minimize nor exaggerate problems, they seek solutions.  They accept the difficulties and try to cope with them without self-pity or bitterness.

. Good communication.  Successful single parents foster communication.  They encourage clear and open expression of thoughts and feelings in the family. Says a single father about his children:  "I talk to them at every opportunity. We have 'cozy moments' when we prepare dinner. it is then they really confide in me."

. Caring for oneself.  Despite the demands on their time, successful single parents recognize that their own spiritual, emotional,  and physical needs  is important.  Ethel, a divorced single mother of two, explained:  " I try to save some time for myself.  For example, when a friend gives the children music lessons, that gives me an hour to myself. I sit down and leave the TV off."

. A positive attitude.  Successful single parents maintain a positive outlook toward parenting and life in general. They see positive aspects in stressful situations.  One single mother states:  "I've come to realize that being a single parent in not all negative."

Next time: A Lone Parent, but not Alone -Success Stories 

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A Lone Parent, but not Alone

"When my children come home and give me a hug and tell me that they love me, that's the best part of being a mother."-DORIS, A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO.


SINGLE parents can find reassurance in the Bible statement:  "Children are a blessing from the LORD." (Psalm 127:3, Contemporary English Version)  When children are raised  in  a single-parent family, they are no  less precious in God's eyes. Our Creator  desires to see single-parent families succeed. The Bible says that of him: "The fatherless boy and widow he relieves."  (Psalm 146:9)  Single parents can be certain that God is ready to support them.

A child is entitled to be raised in a loving, safe, and secure environment that will allow him to develop physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is each parent's duty and privilege to be used by God to train a child. 

Many single parents have found that success requires diligent prayer, consistent application of Bible principles, and complete reliance on Jehovah. This is in line with the exhortation found at Psalm 55:22: "Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you."  

From time to time, grandparents, local elders, and experienced parents in the Christian congregation   may be available to assist a single-parent family to manage trying situations. True, family members and fellow worshipers can
offer much to support the efforts  of single parents, but the Ultimate God-given responsibility rests with a child's parents.

Happily, many single parents have managed successfully to handle the unique -challenges of their situation and raise responsible, well-behaved, God-fearing children.  Awake! spoke with a number of them. Here are some of the things such parents have in common. 

Next time: A Lone Parent, but not Alone -Sound home management

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Single Parents Multiple Challenges - Children's Cooperation Essential

Children living in single-parent families also need to understand that their cooperation is essential to the success of the family.  (Ephesians 6:1-3) Their obedience  to parental authority show that they love their parent and respect  the added effort that the parent makes to provide a safe and happy household.  Since communication is a two-way street, children in a single parent family need to remember that they must be willing to support the parent's efforts to maintain good communication in the family. -Proverbs 1:8; 4:1-4. 

Such children are often required to assume responsibilities  quicker than those who live in two-parent households.  With loving and patient instruction, boys and girls will gain self-confidence and a sense of self-worth as they master life skills at an early age. Also, some chores may be delegated to children so they can assist in the orderly management of the household.

This does not mean that the objective of the single parent is to make her children into little, self-sufficient adults who have no need of parental direction. Certainly, it is most unwise to leave a young child alone or unsupervised.

Single parents are often mistakenly drawn into thinking that they must be buddies  or chums with their children. While a close relationship is necessary, single parents should keep in mind that children need a parent and that a child is not emotionally mature enough to be the parent's confidant or peer.  Your children need you to act like a parent.

Single  parents and children cooperating together in a loving relationship can contribute  to a successful family. As more and more children are being raised in single parent households, everyone should be award of the particular challenges facing single parents and their children and be willing to offer loving encouragement and support. 

Effects on Children

Single parents in general may have less time for each individual child than two parents would. Sometimes a single parent lives with a partner who is not his or her spouse.  However, cohabiting relationships are less stable  than marriages. Children living in  such families are more likely to grow up with a revolving set of adults in their lives.

According to some studies, "children from single-parent families are more likely to experience less healthy lives, on the average, than children from intact families."  However, closer analysis of such studies indicates that lack of income  may be "the single most important factor in accounting for the differences in children from various family  forms."  This, of course, does not mean  that children from a single-parent family are condemned to failure. With proper guidance and training, they can overcome negative effects. 

Next time: A Lone Parent, but not Alone

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Single Parents Multiple Challenges - The Need for Reasonableness

After a divorce, children benefit from regular contact with both parents. Suppose the parents have different religious beliefs; one is one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and the other is not. Regular and open communication helps to avoid any unnecessary conflict.  "Have a reputation for being reasonable," wrote the apostle Paul.  (Philippians 4:5, Phillips) Children should be taught to respect both parents' rights to practice their religion. 

The non-Witness parent my insist on having the child attend religious services a this church. What can the parent who is one of Jehovah's Witnesses do?  She can also share her religious convictions with the child. In time, the child can make up his own decisions regarding religion, as did Young Timothy, whose mother and grandmother likely taught him Bible principles.  (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) If the child feels uneasy attending services in another religion, perhaps he can consider the Bible character Naaman, who after becoming a true worshiper continued to carry out his duties by accompanying the king who worshiped  at the house of Rimmon.  This account may reassure the child of Jehovah's  love and understanding despite his presence at religious ceremonies to which is unaccustomed. -Kings 5:17-19. 

The successful parent is able to mold the thinking of the child or children and to understand their feelings.  (Deuteronomy  6:7)  True, parents who were never married married might feel embarrassed over their former life course. However, such parents need to remember the children have two biological parents. Children want to know about both parents, and they need to feel that they are wanted, not just unfortunate accidents.  By speaking respectfully of the absent parent and giving answers that someone the child's age can grasp or needs to know, the parent can provide the child with loving reassurance.

Parents should remember that a child's first impressions of love, authority, and power are shaped by the relationship the child has with his parent. By the loving exercise of authority and power, the Christian parent can do much to prepare the child to have a loving relationship with Jehovah and to have respect for arrangements in the congregation.  -Genesis 18:19. 

Next time: Single Parents Multiple Challenges - Children's Cooperation Essential

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Single Parents Multiple Challenges -Unique Challenges of Divorced Parents

Single parents realize that their children's individual needs are different and in a constant state of flux. For divorced single parents, providing reasonable opportunities  for spiritual guidance may bring unique challenges. 

For example, some divorced parents who are Jehovah's Witnesses may not have custody of their children.  They have sought to have their visitation at a time when they can included attending a Christian meeting.  This arrangement for visits would give the child regular contact with the Christian congregation, which is of great benefit to children of divorce.

Divorced parents who have fewer opportunities for regular contact with their children need to look for ways to assure them of their love and affection.  To be successful, a parent needs to be sensitive to the child's changing emotional needs.  This is particularly true when the child reaches adolescence and takes a growing interest in social activities with friends.

The successful parents also understands the child's capabilities, personality, and manner of thinking.  (Genesis 33:13) Parent and child enjoy close, intimate, and warm conversations and associations with each other  The lines of communication are open.  The child is involved in the parent's life, and parent is involved in the child's life.

Next time: Single Parents Multiple Challenges - The Need for Reasonableness

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Single Parents Multiple Challenges

"I deal with a lot of emotions. I spend nights in the bedroom crying. It's kind of hard." -JANET, A SINGLE MOTHER OF THREE

THE routes to a single parenthood are many.  Some families are left with a single parent because of war, natural disaster, or disease.

Parents of some children decide not to marry each other. For example, in Sweden almost half the children are born out of wedlock. Divorce also creates single-parent households.  Research suggests that over 50% of American children will live in a a single-parent household for some period of their childhood.

Understanding the Challenges

Mothers who have recently become widows have  a special burden  to carry.  They must assume responsibility for their household whole still grieving for their lost mate.  Their adjustment to this role may take months, even years, as they cope with economic challenges and the responsibility  of consoling their children.  The widowed mother may find it extremely  difficult to assume these added responsibilities.  This may leave a child without adequate   parenting at  a time when he or she desperately needs attention and reassurance.

Single mothers who have not married their child's father are often very young and inexperienced.  They may  not have had  an opportunity to complete their formal education.  Without adequate job skills, they are more likely to be poor and employed in low-paying jobs. Without the support of relatives, such as their parents, they will also have the added responsibility of providing  suitable day care for their child.  The unmarried  mother may also be struggling with emotion burdens, such as feelings of shame and loneliness. Some may fear that the presence of  a child will preclude their  ever finding a suitable mate.  As children in such households  grow older, they too may be plagued by unanswered questions about their background and by a need to be recognized  by the absent parent. 

Similarly,  parents going through divorce are under enormous stress. Some parents may feel anger as a result of the divorce. Feelings of low self-worth and a deep feeling of rejection may also rob  some parents of their ability to extend themselves  emotionally to their children. Mothers who need to enter the job market for the first time may have difficulty coping with the responsibility of managing a household. They may feel that they have neither the time nor the energy for  the special needs of the children, who themselves have to cope with dramatic changes after the  divorce of their parents.

Next time: Single Parents Multiple Challenges - Unique Challenges of Divorced Parents 

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